An activist group has concluded its tree-sit protest of a logging project in the Willamette National Forest. But, the 4,438 acre harvest proposal is likely to face a court challenge.
Members of Cascadia Forest Defenders occupied the Flat Country Timber Sale for the second half of September. They claim the proposed logging project will destroy wildlife habitat, impact water quality, and contribute to a warming climate. Silvia Titterington is with Cascadia Forest Defenders.
“We chose to put up a tree-sit in said proposed clear-cut logging project to show all parties involved that the practice of industrial logging in old growth and mature forests is absolutely unacceptable especially in the midst of a climate crisis,” Titterington told KLCC.
Cascadia Wildlands, a Eugene-based conservation group, plans to challenge the Flat Country Timber Sale in court.
Nick Cady with Cascadia Wildlands said the project was approved during the Trump Administration. He said it’s been submitted to the Biden Administration for review along with other forest management proposals.
Titterington said Cascadia Forest Defenders is urging Oregon Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley to oppose the project. Representative Peter DeFazio has been critical of the project as well as notable forest ecologists Norm Johnson and Jerry Franklin.
Copyright 2021 KLCC.
